Age-old Tried and Tested Health Benefits of Oregano Tea

Can't get rid of cold, congestion, and incessant coughing? Try some oregano tea. This mountain herb is known for its many health benefits. It can help alleviate the symptoms of certain common health problems.

Mukta Gaikwad

Last Updated: Mar 26, 2018

Member of the mint family, this herb has been largely used for its medicinal properties, in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb is a good source of iron, vitamin K, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, oregano tea, is recommended by several practitioners of traditional medicines to treat common cold, congestion and cough.

Let's take a look at some of the valuable uses of oregano herb as home remedies for common problems.

Health Benefits of Oregano Tea

Antibacterial

A cup of oregano tea is a great antibacterial dosage for the day. This mountain herb contains oils called thymol and carvacrol, which are known to fight bacteria. In the latest research, scientists have found that the herb can fight infections caused due to amoeba Giardia lamblia better than tinidazol, a commonly prescribed drug. Regular intake of oregano tea also helps in preventing any kind of bacterial infections by inhibiting their growth.

Omega-3

Oregano tea is the natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are considered to be essential fatty acids, as they have number of health benefits. Omega-3 helps in reducing inflammation all over the body. This important acid is also known to lower the risk of heart diseases, arthritis and improve cognitive and behavioral function.

Relieving Asthma Attack

Oregano tea can be used for relieving an asthma attack. Sweeten the tea with honey and keep sipping it hot. Inhaling the vapors of oregano also helps in clearing the nasal passages. However, one has to do it at least 4-5 times a day to see the result.

Weight Management

Oregano tea is also known to be a rich source of fiber. A good intake of fiber helps in managing weight, keeping the body fit and reducing the risk of several diseases.

Other Benefits of Oregano Tea

~A hot cup of oregano tea is an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating and lower abdominal pain.~It also helps in reducing the flatulence and stomach gas.~Parasitic problems can be cured by intake of oregano tea. This improves digestion and assists in better absorption of food.~As oregano tea is a good source of vitamin C it helps in boosting the immune system.~Several respiratory problems can be resolved by drinking oregano tea.

~It acts as a stimulant and helps reduce fever and speeds up recovery.~A warm concoction of oregano tea, helps in relieving muscle spasms. It also eases joint pains and other problems.~Having a bath with its leaves in warm bath water, helps you relax.~For those of you find it difficult to sleep, drink a cup of oregano tea to soothe the nerves. It is a great home remedy for insomnia.~Persons suffering from rheumatism and asthma find relief by sipping some hot tea with honey.

As mentioned above, you can make this tea with fresh or dried leaves. Dried oregano is available at any grocery store. On the other hand, if you are making it with fresh leaves, make sure you haven't sprayed any chemicals on them while growing them. If you want to dry oregano at home, hang the oregano bunches out in the sun. Then separate the leaves. While making the tea, cut the fresh leaves, so that they release some oil, which is very beneficial.

Step 2

Boil the water for 10 minutes in a pot on a stove or in a microwave.

Step 3

Add the leaves to the pot. If you have a large quantity of water, make sure, that you increase the amount of leaves too. Steep it on a slow flame to extract the maximum from the leaves. However, the longer you steep it, the concoction is going to get bitter and bitter. So keep tasting it.

Step 4

Once, the mixture has boiled for over 20 minutes, the leaves will get dark. It is your signal that the tea is ready for a sweetener. Since, you are drinking the tea for its medicinal purpose, avoiding adding sugar or any artificial form of sweetener. The best natural form of sugar is honey. So, add about 1 tablespoon of honey to the concoction.

Step 5

Remove the pot from the stove and strain the tea into a mug. Sip the tea hot to derive maximum benefit from it.

The best way of having this tea is to sip it hot and inhaling the hot vapors. It works wonders if you are drinking it for cough. Keep a tissue close to you, as the vapors will loosen out the congested mucus. It shouldn't be used during pregnancy as its regular use is known to reduce the ability to absorb iron. People who are allergic to herbs from the mint family may suffer from its side effects, such as skin irritation, rashes and vomiting. It is useful in more ways than one, if it's used in the right quantities.